Stress Less
From planning meals to driving carpools, life as a parent can be stressful. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, the New Year is the perfect time to cut down the stress level in your life. Our parenting experts and expert parents offer their tips to make your life less crazy in 2013. Happy New Year!
Just Breathe
"Don't forget to breathe," says Valorie Kolovos, a family nurse practitioner at the Portland-based practice Hands on Medicine. "In the words of Swami Sivananda, 'The breath makes the body stronger, and we can deal much easier with the demands of modern life.' … It's such a simple remedy, yet so easily forgotten!"
Make a Meal Template
Jessica Ritz, writer and founder of Taster Tots L.A., says, "I want to get out of my family's usual dinner rut and comfort zone by finding a handful of new recipes that we can all agree on, and that I can easily master. Or, better yet, choose some no-fuss basic meal templates that are conducive to modification and tweaks. That way, dinner prep can be lower stress and the food itself less repetitive."
Take Care of Yourself
"As a therapist I would normally encourage my clients to explore the stress," says L.A.-based marriage and family therapy intern Shlomit Yelin-Arber. "But from one mom to another, it might help to remember that we take better care of our kids when our needs are met. So whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed—a day away, drink with friends, working out, massage—do it without guilt. It will only be better for the kids to see you refreshed, and it sets a good example for self-care."
Spend Quality Time
"I have a big family, and oftentimes things are so hectic that we don't have time to talk about the little things that make or break our days," says Brandy Black, editor-in-chief of website The Next Family. "My resolution is to spend a minimum of 15 quality minutes daily with each member of my family talking about their day. I will encourage them to talk about the good, the bad, the challenges and the celebrations."
Get Veggies Delivered
"Sign up for a CSA (community supported agriculture) produce delivery," advises Erin Mahoney Harris, founder of Simple Fives, a blog devoted to five-ingredients-or-fewer recipes. "Taking your kids to the farmers market is a fun and worthwhile activity, but it may not be easy to fit into your schedule every week. Eating healthy and sustainably is so much easier when locally grown, organic produce is delivered right to your door." No CSA in your area? Pick from one of the many delivery services cropping up online. Try Peapod if you live in the Northeast or Spud if you live on the West Coast. Net Grocer is national.
RELATED: Easy Ways to Go Green
Wake up Before the Kids
"The absolute best remedy for de-stressing is waking up early—about 45 minutes before the kids—and before the phone starts ringing," says midwife Bonne Dunham of Vermont-based Birth Into Being. "The quiet calm of the house allows me to turn within and hear my intentions. Mostly, I make a cup of hot chai tea, and take 10 to 15 minutes to stretch."
RELATED: Yoga to Calm Your Nerves
Let the Kids Do It
Pittsburgh-based mom Ilene Tobias says if your kids can do it, let them. Her resolution? "To make sure that my kids are completing tasks themselves that I know they can do, but I often do for them because it's faster (zipping coats, taking dishes to the sink, cleaning up). I think teaching kids to be independent makes them feel good about themselves and gives us a few extra minutes for ourselves."
Plan Meals Ahead
Planning ahead is Santa Monica–based mom Beth Shapiro's recipe for relaxation. "I started choosing recipes for a whole week and making a shopping list of all the ingredients to do in one one big trip," she explains. "Then, each day I can make one of the recipes without any stress. I have even gotten more adventurous in the meals I cook, because I plan ahead."
Look Good
Textile artist Kiki Stash says, "Splurge on a few signature pieces for your wardrobe that are classic, comfortable and flattering (and make getting up in the morning and getting to school on time less painful!). A really good item to spurge on is a fabulous purse. It is something you 'wear' every day, and it can make even the most boring outfit look chic and put-together."
RELATED: Cult Beauty Products
Get Back to Nature
Exercise is key for a stress-free life, and there is no better place to work out than in nature. Jolie Ginsburg, owner of the San Francisco-based eco-minded outdoor travel company Incredible Adventures, says, "I think planning to go camping or commune with nature at least once a month would be a boon to anyone's well-being—especially for city-living folks."
